Michael D. Barrett

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Michael D. Barrett

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Mike has handled numerous “cutting edge” cases during his career that helped create and define the law in Minnesota. These include workers’ compensation subrogation and Lambertson contribution cases, no-fault arbitration claims, no-fault commercial vehicle indemnity claims and construction cases (for the contractor and the subcontractor) which ultimately were decided in the state’s appellate courts.

Mike is a qualified Minnesota No-Fault Arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.

Representative Cases& Experience

Mike has been involved with the defense of numerous contractors and subcontractors accused of construction practices causing water intrusion and mold in homes and commercial buildings. One such case, Weston v. McWilliams & Associates, Inc., 716 N.W.2d 634 (Minn. 2006), reached the Minnesota Supreme Court and defined the application of Minnesota’s statute of repose against subcontractors – a case of first impression in Minnesota.

Successfully represented the general contractor in an indemnity claim against the roofing subcontractor by invoking and reaffirming on appeal to the Supreme Court the right to contractual indemnity in certain construction cases. Holmes v. Watson Forsberg Co., 488 N.W.2d 473 (Minn. 1992).

Established the right of the employer to proceed with its subrogated claim notwithstanding the employee’s attempt to settle all claims in a third-party action arising after a work injury. Jackson v. Zurich American Inc. Co., 542 N.W.2d 621 (Minn. 1996).